title: The slow discovery of the importance of omega 3 essential fatty acids in human health.
abstract: Although linoleic and linolenic acids have been known to be necessary for normal growth and dermal function since 1930, the omega 3 essential fatty acids (EFA) have not received much attention until recently. The two families of acids are metabolized by the same enzymes, making them competitive. Gross deficiencies of omega 6 plus omega 3 EFA have been observed in humans, induced by attempts at total parenteral nutrition (TPN) with preparations devoid of lipids. Deficiency of omega 3 acids has been induced by TPN containing high omega 6 and low omega 3 fatty acids. In natural human populations, a wide range of omega 3 and omega 6 proportions have been found, ranging from high omega 3 and low omega 6 content to low omega 3 and high omega 6 content, showing inverse correlation between sigma omega 6 and sigma omega 3. In humans with neuropathy or impairment of the immune system, significant deficits of omega 3 EFA have been measured.
authors.affiliation: Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin 55912, USA.
authors.forename: R T
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Holman
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D002648:Child; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000097:blood / Q000145:classification; D005228:Fatty Acids, Essential / Q000172:deficiency*; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000378:metabolism; D043371:Fatty Acids, Omega-6; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009748:Nutrition Disorders / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism; D009753:Nutritive Value
chemical_list: D005227:Fatty Acids; D005228:Fatty Acids, Essential; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D043371:Fatty Acids, Omega-6; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated